NEW ZEALAND · BOAT TRIPS IN FIORDLAND
A South Island fortnight has room for only so much. These 15 boat trips in Fiordland earn their slot, each with its price, its rating and the detail that decides it.
Review of the 13-hour Milford Sound tour from Queenstown, with small-group transport, scenic stops, picnic lunch, and a two-hour cruise.
“This was a great experience. Scenic drive with gorgeous vantage points/stops along the way. Comfortable transit that’s worry free. Jacob was an awesome guide!!”
Review of Cruise Milford’s small boutique boat trip, with close waterfall and wildlife views, hot drinks, practical parking tips, and honest value advice.
“Nothing special.or boutique about the experience. Their boat is bigger than many other cruise provider and fully packed. The the audio narration couldn't be heard clearly due to poor quality stereo system. They definitely don't go as close to the falls or as many compared to southern discovery cruises. It's not a rip off but extra price is not justified.”
Review of Milford Sound’s intimate 2-hour small boat cruise, with waterfalls, wildlife, close-up views, hot drinks, and practical planning tips.
“Pros: Good value for money Smaller boat avoided big tour groups Plenty of space for individual views of the area and main sights Cons: Smaller boat is more prone to the chop of waves once out to the Tasman sea. Not tour operators fault but there are a lot of boats out on the sound. If you want more privacy consider doubtful sound”
Review of the 2-hour Milford Sound cruise: close waterfall views, wildlife, commentary, hot drinks, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“This is the 2nd time I’ve taken family members on this cruise. The Captain took great pride and care to entertain us and explore Milford Sound. Because Mitre Peak Cruises uses smaller vessels, they are able to get up close and personal with wildlife and demonstrations. Ever ride a cruise boat bow under a waterfall? We did! See a mother fur seal with her pup? We did! How about a Crested Penguin? We saw one also! Great explanations, interesting facts and information regarding history and biodiversity. Ask and see why the color of the water changes from inside the sound and the Tasman Sea. I would highly recommend this cruise…”
Review of the Te Anau Milford Sound day tour, with small groups, scenic stops, wildlife, morning tea, and a two-hour cruise.
“A wonderful tour of Milford Sound. Stephen gave us a great description of all the places on the way to the boat, and regaled us with great stories. The boat ride was amazing; we saw seals, a penguin, and close up views of the waterfalls. We opted for lunch, which was tasty and very generous. Highly recommend this tour for an awesome day.”
Review of Pure Milford’s 105-minute catamaran cruise, with waterfalls, seals, dolphins, live commentary, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“Most surreal experience! The beauty of Milford Sound is unmatched. Really grateful to be there. Highly recommended!”
Review of the Te Anau to Milford Sound coach and cruise, with scenic stops, picnic lunch, guide tips, wildlife, timing, and value.
“It was a great way to sit back and let someone else do the driving and give commentary along the way. Our driver Scarlet was absolutely the bomb and allowed plenty of stops along the way for photo opportunities. Money well spent”
Review of the Te Anau Milford Sound day tour, with a small-group van, nature cruise, picnic lunch, short walks, and scenic stops.
“Had a great time on at Milford Sound. Geoff was our tour guide - he made it so fun! Very knowledgeable and made us all laugh. The tour felt personal - he tailored the trip to suit us all and it was much better than those big commercial buses and boats!”
Review of the Te Anau Milford Sound tour with scenic stops, a small-boat cruise, picnic lunch, guides, price, and practical booking tips.
“What a great day! Steve our tour guide was very friendly and informative. The drive to Milford Sound was really fun with several stops to take photos. The cruise was amazing and we saw seals up close. We loved the small group, being on a Read more”
Cruise Milford Sound by premium catamaran for waterfalls, wildlife, panoramic views, live commentary, and optional lunch.
“One of the most beautiful places I've ever seen! Worth every penny! We went on the 11.15am boat and it was amazing as it wasn't full. We were super lucky with the weather (no rain) and the views are absolutely stunning. Wish there was a bit more info by the speaker but recommend it 100%, def worth it ❤️”
Review of RealNZ’s Te Anau to Milford Sound coach and cruise trip, with scenic stops, waterfalls, wildlife, costs, tips, and practical advice.
“The trip was amazing and our guide Brad/Brandon did an excellent job! we had our 7 months old daughter with us and he made sure that we had a good seat with a bit extra leg-room, he checked up on us during the trip and the information and story telling during the trip was both funny and informative. best guide we have had in a long time!”
Review of the Te Anau Milford Sound tour with cruise, short walks, picnic lunch, small-group transport, and practical booking tips.
“Fantastic Milford Sound tour! We can’t recommend this tour enough. We had a fantastic day with our guide, Jeff. He was super knowledgable about the area and had a great sense of humour. He really made this day memorable!”
Ride a jet boat from Te Anau through Fiordland, with river spins, Lord of the Rings sites, Lake Manapouri, and a guided forest walk.
“A very experienced and friendly guide with local knowledge along with being a fantastic jet boat driver responding to our enjoyment and thrill of the ride. Smooth operation, running on time and preparing us with all requirements for the ride: warm clothing and sunscreen. Would definitely recommend this wonderful journey.”
Ride from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a glass-roof coach, with scenic stops, a two-hour cruise, hot drinks, and lunch.
“Tour guide/bus driver was very knowledgeable. Bus was new with glass ceilings which definitely made the long drive more enjoyable. Buffet lunch was just ok.”
Review of the 13-hour Milford Sound tour from Queenstown, with coach transport, picnic lunch, scenic cruise, stops, costs, and practical tips.
“Magnificent place. Very nicely organised tour. Knowledgeable guide. Milford sound is heaven on earth.”
Sorted by what you actually want to do that morning.
